No US trip for CPI-M legislator

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI-M has barred one of its legislators from travelling to the US next month to attend the International Visitor`s Leadership Programme organised by the State Department - as it is funded by the US government.

The programme is being held in a few locations in the US Aug 4-24.

"Rajesh was told by his party that it does not augur well if he goes because the entire trip is being funded by the US government... So he decided not to go," said two-time CPI-M supported independent MLA KT Jaleel who along with party legislator TV Rajesh was selected by the assembly speaker for the trip.
Even though none in the CPI-M told me not to go, I felt, since I am indirectly associated with them, I will also not go," added Jaleel.

The assembly Speaker G Karthikeyan had selected nine legislators for the trip after getting a letter from the State Department.